FIFA World Cup 2022 | France sweat on player fitness after virus outbreak on eve of finals against Argentina

With little more than 24 hours to go before the world champions face Lionel Messi and Argentina at Doha’s Lusail Stadium

France coach Didier Deschamps was sweating on the fitness of several key players on December 17, 2022 as his team battled a mystery virus on the eve of the World Cup final against Argentina.

With little more than 24 hours to go before the world champions face Lionel Messi and Argentina at Doha’s Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022, France have been left reeling by a viral outbreak that is believed to have affected five players so far.

Central defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate, and winger Kingsley Coman were the latest players to be laid low by the illness, forced to miss a training session on December 16.

That came two days after Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano were ruled out of Wednesday’s semifinal victory over Morocco.

Players, staff and other sources close to the French squad have spoken of a range of symptoms affecting the team in recent days including fever, stomach pain and headaches.

Both Deschamps and France captain Hugo Lloris said on December 17, 2022 they had no further medical updates as they appeared at a pre-match press conference just after 11:30 am local time.

“I left quite early this morning from the camp — they were all still asleep,” Deschamps said. “I haven’t had any recent updates.